Illinois REALTORS® helped host a leader in the Irish real estate industry on Monday, June 14, 2018. Brian Dempsey, immediate past president of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, stopped in Springfield and Champaign to meet with his U.S. counterparts in the real estate industry. Shown here at a meeting in Springfield are Neil Malone, Illinois REALTORS® director of grassroots and political programs; Julie Sullivan, Illinois REALTORS® senior director of legislative and political affairs; Dempsey; REALTOR® John LeTourneau, Illinois REALTOR® consulate general liaison to Ireland; and Sharon Gorrell, Illinois REALTORS® Director of Housing, Global Business and Diversity.

Illinois REALTORS® CEO Gary Clayton meets with Brian Dempsey in Springfield. Photo: Sharon Gorrell.

Illinois REALTORS® hosted a top Irish real estate official at a meeting Monday as part of a trade mission to the U.S.

Brian Dempsey, immediate past president of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers and partner at DNG, a Dublin, Ireland-based real estate firm, had the opportunity to learn about Illinois REALTORS® role in providing education and advocacy for its 47,000 members. The Irish organization works to enhance professionalism and professional standards in the Irish real estate industry, filling a similar role to U.S. REALTOR® organizations.

Dempsey got a chance to spend part of a day in Springfield where he met with Illinois REALTORS® staff members and REALTOR® John LeTourneau, the state association’s consulate general liaison to Ireland. The visit included a quick trip to the Illinois Capitol.

Dempsey also got a short visit to Champaign where he met Illinois REALTORS® President Matt Difanis and toured the University of Illinois EnterpriseWorks business incubator.